Apple eats core, business of publishers

To date Apple have “permitted” publishers to have apps on the iPhone and iPad that are media readers for content that is purchased outside of Apple’s platform. Spotify is a well known example. They have recently decided to levy a 30% toll on such subscriptions.

Personally I think it is unwise to **** with the National Press. I foresee a large number of newspaper and magazine leaders about the threat the Apple poses to free speech, the free press and free cash flow. On this occasion I totally agree. I think that device-neutrality is essential to support free speech.

The BBC who is not a totally disinterested player (iPlayer for iPad anyone) reports it here together with an introduction to Google’s response Google One Pass.